Every October, breast cancer becomes a bigger part of the public conversation.

Women see the pink ribbons, awareness campaigns, health talks and reminders to pay attention to their breast health. Families are encouraged to talk about cancer, and healthcare professionals have an opportunity to educate their communities.

But when October ends, the most important question remains:

What are we going to do with what we have learned?

Breast health should not be a once-a-year conversation.

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. In 2024, an estimated 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can improve outcomes significantly.

For women in Ghana, continuing the conversation means understanding the signs, knowing personal risk factors and knowing when to seek professional advice.

Know what is normal for you

Breasts naturally change throughout life. Changes can occur with age, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, breastfeeding and other hormonal changes. This means that not every change is a sign of cancer.

However, knowing what is normal for your own body makes it easier to notice when something is different.

Possible warning signs include:

🔹A new lump or thickening in the breast

🔹A change in the size or shape of the breast

🔹Changes in the skin, including dimpling, redness or unusual texture

🔹A change in the appearance of the nipple

🔹Nipple inversion that is new or unusual

🔹Unusual nipple discharge, particularly bloody discharge

🔹A new lump or swelling around the armpit

These signs do not automatically mean breast cancer. Many breast changes have other causes.

The important lesson is simple: if you notice something unusual or persistent, don't ignore it. Get it checked.

Breast awareness is different from breast self-examination

There is an important distinction that is sometimes missed during awareness campaigns.

Ghana's 2024 National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines state that breast self-examination should not be used as a screening method. Instead, women are encouraged to understand what is normal for their breasts and report abnormalities to a healthcare professional.

So rather than worrying about whether you are performing a monthly self-examination perfectly, develop breast awareness.

When bathing, dressing or simply going about your normal routine, pay attention to changes that are unusual for you.

If you notice something concerning, don't spend weeks searching for answers online or waiting to see whether it disappears.

Talk to a qualified healthcare professional.

What about mammograms?

Mammography is an imaging test used to look for breast abnormalities, including changes that may not yet be noticeable as symptoms. Screening recommendations can differ according to age, risk and national guidelines.

Ghana's 2024 national guidelines state that asymptomatic women above 40 years require a baseline mammography screening, while women at higher risk may need a different approach determined by a healthcare professional. This is why it is useful to discuss your personal situation with a healthcare professional rather than assuming that one screening schedule is suitable for everyone.

Know your risk

Age is an important risk factor for breast cancer. Other factors associated with increased risk include family history, certain inherited genetic mutations, previous radiation exposure, obesity, alcohol use, tobacco use and some reproductive and hormonal factors.

But there is an important point many people do not realise:

You can develop breast cancer even if nobody in your family has had it.

WHO estimates that around 80% of breast cancers occur in women who have no specific modifiable risk factor other than being female and increasing age. So a lack of family history should not become a reason to ignore breast health. If several close relatives have had breast cancer, particularly at younger ages, tell your healthcare professional. Your family history may affect how your risk is assessed.

Small habits can support your overall health

There is no single lifestyle habit that can guarantee protection from breast cancer. However, some factors associated with breast cancer risk can be addressed.

Practical steps include:

🔹Stay physically active. Regular physical activity supports overall health and can help maintain a healthy weight.

🔹Watch alcohol intake. Alcohol consumption is associated with increased breast cancer risk. Reducing intake can therefore be a meaningful health choice.

🔹Avoid tobacco. Smoking affects many areas of health and is associated with several cancers.

🔹Look after your weight and general health. Obesity is associated with increased breast cancer risk, particularly after menopause.

🔹Know your family history. Ask questions about cancer in close relatives and share relevant information with your healthcare professional.

These steps are not guarantees against cancer. In fact, many women who develop breast cancer have no known modifiable risk factor. They are simply part of taking better care of your overall health.

Don't wait for pain

One common misunderstanding is that cancer should hurt before it is taken seriously. Breast cancer may not cause pain, particularly in its early stages. A new lump, thickening or other unusual change can therefore deserve attention even when it is painless. This is one reason early detection matters.

WHO describes early detection as a combination of recognising possible signs and symptoms, seeking medical advice, receiving timely evaluation and getting appropriate referral for treatment when needed. The earlier a concerning change is properly assessed, the sooner the appropriate next step can be taken.

What can you do after Pink October?

Don't let the end of October mean the end of the conversation.

Here are five simple actions to carry forward:

1. Know what is normal for you.
Pay attention to changes rather than trying to diagnose yourself.

2. Don't ignore unusual changes.
A lump or other breast change may have many possible causes, but it should be assessed when appropriate.

3. Know your family history.
Ask relatives about significant cancer history and discuss relevant information with your healthcare professional.

4. Discuss screening.
Ask what screening is appropriate for your age and individual risk.

5. Encourage someone else.
A mother, sister, wife, daughter, colleague or friend may need a simple reminder to put her health on the list.

Pink October can end. The message should not.

Awareness is only useful when it leads to better decisions. The pink ribbons will eventually come down. The social media posts will slow down. The campaign events will finish. But your health continues every day.



Know your body. Know your risk. Notice changes. Ask questions. Seek appropriate professional advice.

And perhaps most importantly, keep talking about breast health long after October is over.